Divergence-free Fields Research Articles

Entropy damping and Bulk Viscosity based artificial compressibility methods on dynamically distorting grids

Artificial Compressibility Methods (ACM) rely on an artificial equation that links the pressure and velocity fields to model incompressible flows. These hyperbolic/parabolic equations can rapidly converge to a ‘nearly’ divergence-free flow field in contrast to the methods based on the elliptic pressure Poisson equation. We compare the computational efficacy of two ACMs, namely, the Bulk Viscosity ACM (BVACM) and Entropically Damped Artificial Compressibility (EDAC) recently proposed in the literature. The methods implemented in the in-house high-order finite difference solver, COMPSQUARE, are validated for the test cases of a 2D doubly periodic shear layer (DPSL), a 3D Taylor Green Vortex (TGV), and 2D/3D NACA0012 airfoil pitching about the quarter chord. The efficacy of these methods was also tested on static and dynamic grids using conservative metrics. Although both ACMs yield competitive results, the divergence of the velocity field is found to be more prominent in the highly unsteady regions. BVACM resulted in (a) a superior divergence-free velocity field and (b) 20−38% higher maximum stable time than the EDAC, thereby increasing the computational speed. A higher value of the bulk viscosity coefficient, A, although ensures a stringent divergence-free velocity field, is shown to have minimal effect on the flow statistics and reduce the maximum stable time step. The parabolic–hyperbolic nature of the governing equations and the lack of dual time-stepping in BVACM and EDAC ensures that both these methods are highly scalable on massively parallel architectures. Since the energy equation is no longer required to compute the velocity field, both EDAC and BVACM approaches are found to be 8−10% faster than the weakly compressible Navier–Stokes simulations under the low-Mach number limit.

Theory of the momentum source method for synthetic turbulence

The interaction between turbulence and blade leading edges is known to have a significant impact on the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of propellers. In addition to directly simulating turbulence, synthetic turbulence, such as the momentum source method, has been developed as a popular method for studying this interaction process in computational fluid dynamics and computational aeroacoustics. However, it is found that for non-periodic disturbances, although the induced velocity field is divergence-free, spurious noise may be generated in the source region and contaminate simulation results. To address this issue, the present work proposes adding a correction term so that the divergence-free condition is satisfied globally and the unwanted acoustic waves are suppressed, as an extension to our previous work for time-periodic gusts [H. Jiang, Phys. Fluids 35, 096115 (2023)]. The strength of the proposed approach lies in its simplicity, flexibility, and generality. First, it derives explicit source terms, which are straightforward for numerical implementations, to generate unsteady flow fluctuations. Second, the sources can be added inside the computational domain, saving computational costs for turbulence convection and being compatible with most existing boundary conditions. Third, the proposed method can obtain analytical expressions for the needed momentum source of the Navier–Stokes equation subject to any desired isotropic or anisotropic divergence-free turbulence fields. The method has been verified by examples of synthesizing harmonic gusts, Gaussian eddies, and random turbulence. The synthetic velocity results characterized by different spectral components are directly compared to target velocity fields, verifying the proposed approach and showing its capability. Parameters that influence the distribution of added sources are systematically investigated to identify an optimal combination for different scenarios. Finally, the model is employed to evaluate the aerodynamic interaction between an incoming turbulence and a thin airfoil. The obtained results exhibit good correspondence with analytical solutions.

An exact in time Fourier pseudospectral method with multiple conservation laws for three-dimensional Maxwell’s equations

Maxwell’s equations describe the propagation of electromagnetic waves and are therefore fundamental to understanding many problems encountered in the study of antennas and electromagnetics. The aim of this paper is to propose and analyse an efficient fully discrete scheme for solving three-dimensional Maxwell’s equations. This is accomplished by combining Fourier pseudospectral methods in space and exact formulation in time. Fast computation is efficiently implemented in the scheme by using the matrix diagonalisation method and fast Fourier transform algorithm which are well known in scientific computations. An optimal error estimate which is not encumbered by the CFL condition is established and the resulting scheme is proved to be of spectral accuracy in space and exact in time. Furthermore, the scheme is shown to have multiple conservation laws including discrete energy, helicity, momentum, symplecticity, and divergence-free field conservations. All the theoretical results of the accuracy and conservations are numerically illustrated by two numerical tests.

MHD equilibria with nonconstant pressure in nondegenerate toroidal domains

We prove the existence of piecewise smooth MHD equilibria in three-dimensional toroidal domains of \mathbb R^3 where the pressure is constant on the boundary but not in the interior. The pressure is piecewise constant and the plasma current exhibits an arbitrary number of current sheets. We also establish the existence of free boundary steady states surrounded by vacuum with an external surface current. The toroidal domains where these equilibria are shown to exist need not be small perturbations of an axisymmetric domain, and in fact they can have any knotted topology. The building blocks we use in our construction are analytic toroidal domains satisfying a certain nondegeneracy condition, which roughly states that there exists a force-free field that is ergodic on the surface of the domain. The proof involves three main ingredients: a gluing construction of piecewise smooth MHD equilibria, a Hamilton–Jacobi equation on the two-dimensional torus that can be understood as a nonlinear deformation of the cohomological equation (so the nondegeneracy assumption plays a major role in the corresponding analysis), and a new KAM theorem tailored for the study of divergence-free fields in three dimensions whose Poincaré map cannot be computed explicitly.

Positivity-preserving entropy filtering for the ideal magnetohydrodynamics equations

In this work, we present a positivity-preserving adaptive filtering approach for discontinuous spectral element approximations of the ideal magnetohydrodynamics equations. This approach combines the entropy filtering method (Dzanic and Witherden, 2022) for shock capturing in gas dynamics along with the eight-wave method for enforcing a divergence-free magnetic field. Due to the inclusion of non-conservative source terms, an operator-splitting approach is introduced to ensure that the positivity and entropy constraints remain satisfied by the discrete solution. Furthermore, a computationally efficient algorithm for solving the optimization process for this nonlinear filtering approach is presented. The resulting scheme can robustly resolve strong discontinuities on general unstructured grids without tunable parameters while recovering high-order accuracy for smooth solutions. The efficacy of the scheme is shown in numerical experiments on various problems including extremely magnetized blast waves and three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic instabilities.

A fully discrete finite element method for a constrained transport model of the incompressible MHD equations

In this paper, we propose and analyze a fully discrete finite element method for a constrained transport (CT) model of the incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. The spatial discretization is based on mixed finite elements, where the hydrodynamic unknowns are approximated by stable finite element pairs, the magnetic field and magnetic vector potential are discretized by H(curl)-conforming edge element. The time marching is combining a backward Euler scheme and some subtle implicit-explicit treatments for nonlinear and coupling terms. With these treatments, the fully discrete scheme is linear in the implementation and the computation of the magnetic vector potential is decoupled from the whole coupled system. The most attractive feature of this scheme that it can yield the exactly divergence-free magnetic field and current density on the discrete level. The unique solvability and unconditional stability of the scheme are also proved rigorously. By utilizing the energy argument, error estimates for the velocity, magnetic field and magnetic vector potential are further demonstrated under the low regularity hypothesis for the exact solutions. Numerical results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis and to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Existence of global symmetries of divergence-free fields with first integrals

The relationship between symmetry fields and first integrals of divergence-free vector fields is explored in three dimensions in light of its relevance to plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion. A Noether-type theorem is known: for each such symmetry, there corresponds a first integral. The extent to which the converse is true is investigated. In doing so, a reformulation of this Noether-type theorem is found for which the converse holds on what is called the toroidal region. Some consequences of the methods presented are quick proofs of the existence of flux coordinates for magnetic fields in high generality, without needing to assume a symmetry such as in the cases of magneto-hydrostatics or quasi-symmetry.

A divergence-free constrained magnetic field interpolation method for scattered data

An interpolation method to evaluate magnetic fields, given its unstructured and scattered magnetic data, is presented. The method is based on the reconstruction of the global magnetic field using a superposition of orthogonal functions. The coefficients of the expansion are obtained by minimizing a cost function defined as the L2 norm of the difference between the ground truth and the reconstructed magnetic field evaluated on the training data. The divergence-free condition is incorporated as a constraint in the cost function, allowing the method to achieve arbitrarily small errors in the magnetic field divergence. An exponential decay of the approximation error is observed and compared with the less favorable algebraic decay of local splines. Compared to local methods involving computationally expensive search algorithms, the proposed method exhibits a significant reduction of the computational complexity of the field evaluation, while maintaining a small error in the divergence even in the presence of magnetic islands and stochasticity. Applications to the computation of Poincaré sections using data obtained from numerical solutions of the magnetohydrodynamic equations in toroidal geometry are presented and compared with local methods currently in use.

Helmholtz decomposition and potential functions for n-dimensional analytic vector fields

The Helmholtz decomposition splits a sufficiently smooth vector field into a gradient field and a divergence-free rotation field. Existing decomposition methods impose constraints on the behavior of vector fields at infinity and require solving convolution integrals over the entire coordinate space. To allow a Helmholtz decomposition in Rn, we replace the vector potential in R3 by the rotation potential, an n-dimensional, antisymmetric matrix-valued map describing n(n−1)/2 rotations within the coordinate planes. We provide three methods to derive the Helmholtz decomposition: (1) a numerical method for fields decaying at infinity by using an n-dimensional convolution integral, (2) closed-form solutions using line-integrals for several unboundedly growing fields including periodic and exponential functions, multivariate polynomials and their linear combinations, (3) an existence proof for all analytic vector fields. Examples include the Lorenz and Rössler attractor and the competitive Lotka–Volterra equations with n species.

Divergence-free turbulent inflow data from realistic covariance tensor

Scale-resolving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods require carefully constructed boundary conditions to produce accurate results. The inflow data should be unsteady and the successive realizations must follow specific statistics while ideally having a particular correlation in both space and time. A method for generating synthetic correlated stochastic data from uncorrelated sequences is detailed and applied to the problem of inflow turbulence generation for CFD simulations. The technique constructs divergence-free anisotropic random fields with the sensible spectrum and complete complex correlation in space and time. A realistic two-point correlation tensor is inferred from first and second moments and a set of heuristic recommendations based on turbulent flow observations. These statistics are readily available in most practical cases making the technique highly versatile. The approach is computationally efficient with the use of eigendecomposition to reduce the resources required depending on the accuracy needed. Demonstration of the method is provided with the simulation of a turbulent channel flow and a square duct flow, and validation is done against existing numerical data.

A Complete Helmholtz Decomposition on Multiply Connected Subdivision Surfaces and Its Application to Integral Equations

The analysis of electromagnetic scattering in the isogeometric analysis (IGA) framework based on Loop subdivision has long been restricted to simply-connected geometries. The inability to analyze multiply-connected objects is a glaring omission. In this paper, we address this challenge. IGA provides seamless integration between the geometry and analysis by using the same basis set to represent both. In particular, IGA methods using subdivision basis sets exploit the fact that the basis functions used for surface description are smooth (with continuous second derivatives) almost everywhere. On simply-connected surfaces, this permits the definition of basis sets that are divergence-free and curl-free. What is missing from this suite is a basis set that is both divergence-free and curl-free, a necessary ingredient for a complete Helmholtz decomposition of currents on multiply-connected structures. In this paper, we effect this missing ingredient numerically using random polynomial vector fields. We show that this basis set is analytically divergence-free and curl-free. Furthermore, we show that these basis recovers curl-free, divergence-free, and curl-free and divergence-free fields. Finally, we use this basis set to discretize a well-conditioned integral equation for analyzing perfectly conducting objects and demonstrate excellent agreement with other methods.

QUIC-URB and QUIC-fire extension to complex terrain: Development of a terrain-following coordinate system

Ensemble-based approaches to prescribed fire planning cannot be supported by CFD-based models like FIRETEC and WFDS because they are too computationally expensive and cannot leverage LES approaches like CAWFE and WRF-SFIRE because too coarse of resolution. QUIC-Fire was developed to fill this gap but it cannot currently address complex terrain, typical for instance of the Western United States. In this paper, we describe the extension of the diagnostic wind model QUIC-URB, the wind engine of QUIC-Fire, to a terrain-following coordinate system. In particular, the paper presents the mathematical derivation of the wind solver leading to a linear system of equations that are solved through the successive over-relaxation method. The model is validated against a standard test used in previous works (the Askervein Hill) and against a new dataset from measurements in the Socorro Mountains, New Mexico. The terrain-following implementation captured the correct phenomenology for the isolated Askervein Hill, with a wind speed up at the top of the hill. The model agreed well with measurements on the upwind side of the peak, but overestimated speed-up on the downwind side of the hill. This is due to the inability of the model to generate flow separation and wake-eddy dynamics. On a common laptop, the divergence-free wind field was obtained in 6 s, making the solver appealing for coupled fire–atmosphere simulations. The Socorro Mountain was highly complex, with many cliff faces, peaks, and valleys. Although the model captures the magnitude and direction of inlet and outlet areas of the domain, it performs rather poorly in the valley region and in the regions near the steep cliffs. Hence, the model shows good agreement with data in areas of open sloped terrain but lacks in areas where flow separation and thermally driven effects may be present (neither effect was addressed in this work). Results highlight that future work should focus on the implementation of parameterizations of wake-eddies, similar to QUIC-URB’s building parameterizations, and on thermodynamic-driven flow.

Quantum control of spin qubits using nanomagnets

Single-qubit gates are essential components of a universal quantum computer. Without selective addressing of individual qubits, scalable implementation of quantum algorithms is extremely challenging. When the qubits are discrete points or regions on a lattice, selectively addressing magnetic spin qubits at the nanoscale remains a challenge due to the difficulty of localizing and confining a classical divergence-free field to a small volume of space. Herein we propose a technique for addressing spin qubits using voltage-control of nanoscale magnetism, exemplified by the use of voltage control of magnetic anisotropy. We show that by tuning the frequency of the nanomagnet’s electric field drive to the Larmor frequency of the spins confined to a nanoscale volume, and by modulating the phase of the drive, single-qubit quantum gates with fidelities approaching those for fault-tolerant quantum computing can be implemented. Such single-qubit gate operations require only tens of femto-Joules per gate operation and have lossless, purely magnetic field control. Their physical realization is also straightforward using foundry manufacturing techniques.

Maxwell’s displacement current and the magnetic field between capacitor electrodes

A long-standing controversy concerning the causes of the magnetic field in and around a parallel-plate capacitor is examined. Three possible sources of contention are noted and detailed. The first is the ambiguous initial impression given by the calculation of the magnetic field using the integral form of the Ampere–Maxwell law which incorporates the displacement current density. The second is misinterpretation of this law as a cause–effect formula. The third is insufficient recognition of the fact that the electric field in Maxwell’s equations represents the sum of the well-distinguished irrotational and divergence-free fields, which are independently responsible for conservation of charge and the existence of the electromagnetic waves, respectively.

Reconstruction of Coronal Magnetic Fields Using a Poloidal–Toroidal Representation

A new method for reconstruction of coronal magnetic fields as force-free fields (FFFs) is presented. Our method employs poloidal and toroidal functions to describe divergence-free magnetic fields. This magnetic field representation naturally enables us to implement the boundary conditions at the photospheric boundary, i.e., the normal magnetic field and the normal current density there, in a straightforward manner. At the upper boundary of the corona, a source surface condition can be employed, which accommodates magnetic flux imbalance at the bottom boundary. Although our iteration algorithm is inspired by extant variational methods, it is nonvariational and requires far fewer iteration steps than most others. The computational code based on our new method is tested against the analytical FFF solutions by Titov & Démoulin. It is found to excel in reproducing a tightly wound flux rope, a bald patch, and quasi-separatrix layers with a hyperbolic flux tube.

Some consequences of the distributional stress equilibrium condition

We derive two consequences of the distributional form of the stress equilibrium condition while incorporating piecewise smooth stress and body force fields with singular concentrations on an interface. First, we obtain the local equilibrium conditions in the bulk and at the interface, the latter inclusive of interfacial stress and stress dipole fields. Second, we obtain the necessary and the sufficient conditions on the divergence-free non-smooth stress field for there to exist a stress function field such that the stress equilibrium is trivially satisfied. In doing so, we allow the domain to be non-contractible with mutually disjoint connected boundary components. Both derivations illustrate the utility of the theory of distributions in dealing with singular stress fields.

On convergence of numerical solutions for the compressible MHD system with weakly divergence-free magnetic field

Abstract We study a general convergence theory for the analysis of numerical solutions to a magnetohydrodynamic system describing the time evolution of compressible, viscous, electrically conducting fluids in space dimension $d$$(=2,3)$. First, we introduce the concept of dissipative weak (DW) solutions and prove the weak–strong uniqueness property for DW solutions, meaning a DW solution coincides with a classical solution emanating from the same initial data on the lifespan of the latter. Next, we introduce the concept of consistent approximations and prove the convergence of consistent approximations towards the DW solution, as well as the classical solution. Interpreting the consistent approximation as the energy stability and consistency of numerical solutions, we have built a nonlinear variant of the celebrated Lax equivalence theorem. Finally, as an application of this theory, we show the convergence analysis of two numerical methods.

On Convergence of Numerical Solutions for the Compressible MHD System with Exactly Divergence-Free Magnetic Field

On Convergence of Numerical Solutions for the Compressible MHD System with Exactly Divergence-Free Magnetic Field

A 2D cell-centered Lagrangian scheme based on multi-state Riemann solver with exactly divergence-free magnetic fields

This paper presents a cell-centered Lagrangian method for the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations in two dimension. In order to compute the nodal velocity and the numerical fluxes through the cell interface, a 2D nodal approximate Riemann solver of HLLD-type is designed. The main new feature of the Riemann solver is two fast waves, two Alfvén waves and one entropy wave are considered for each Riemann problem, and thus the rotational discontinuities can be captured very well. In the Lagrangian scheme, the evolving of the magnetic field is proved to be consistent with the magnetic frozen principle and thus guarantee exactly the divergence-free constraint. In addition, a linear reconstruction method is applied to achieve second order spatial accuracy while the Runge-Kutta method is used to obtain second order temporal accuracy. Various numerical tests are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the algorithm.

Rectifiability of divergence-free fields along invariant 2-tori

We find conditions under which the restriction of a divergence-free vector field B to an invariant toroidal surface S is rectifiable; namely constant in a suitable global coordinate system. The main results are similar in conclusion to Arnold’s Structure Theorems but require weaker assumptions than the commutation [B,nabla times B] = 0. Relaxing the need for a first integral of B (also known as a flux function), we assume the existence of a solution u: S rightarrow {mathbb {R}} to the cohomological equation Bvert _S(u) = partial _n B on a toroidal surface S mutually invariant to B and nabla times B. The right hand side partial _n B is a normal surface derivative available to vector fields tangent to S. In this situation, we show that the field B on S is either identically zero or nowhere zero with Bvert _S/Vert BVert ^2 vert _S being rectifiable. We are calling the latter the semi-rectifiability of B (with proportionality Vert BVert ^2 vert _S). The nowhere zero property relies on Bers’ results in pseudo-analytic function theory about a generalised Laplace-Beltrami equation arising from Witten cohomology deformation. With the use of de Rham cohomology, we also point out a Diophantine integral condition where one can conclude that Bvert _S itself is rectifiable. The rectifiability and semi-rectifiability of Bvert _S is fundamental to the so-called magnetic coordinates, which are central to the theory of magnetically confined plasmas.